By Akhila Seneviratne
Despite the embarrassing loss in the opening game, Sri Lanka have come back strong with 3 back to back wins in the Asia Cup and are almost through to the finals. What are the positives and concerns so far?
Starting with the most obvious positive, it’s the opening pair of Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka. As openers they have scored 207 runs in 4 matches so far including a 97 run partnership yesterday. The partnerships average 51.75 and are at a scoring rate of 8.625 in 24 overs. Kusal Mendis in particular has two Fifties and has 155 to be the second highest run scorer in the tournament so far.
Dilshan Madushanka who made his debut against Afghanistan, cleaned up Virat Kohli for a duck yesterday and recorded his best figures so far with 3/24 and is now the highest wicket taker for Sri Lanka with 6 wickets in 4 matches. The almost 22 year old left arm pacie is yet to be tested on a proper fast bowling track and could be vital at the World Cup in Australia.
The clean hitting of Dasun Shanaka and Bhanuka Rajapaksa pair in the death overs has been vital in keeping the run chases alive and the tight bowling Maheesh Theekshana has made a difference in restricting crucial runs at death. Chamika Karunaratne, Asitha Fernando and Danushka Gunathilaka have been slightly inconsistent but made important contributions when needed.
As negatives, Charith Asalanka in particular is a major concern as the infamous vice captaincy curse seems to get the better off him especially when others are performing well. Wanindu Hasaranga also went wicketless for two matches and so far has a below par 3 wickets in 4 matches. Both are key players who need to get into form in what they are good at.
As long as someone is able to step up, the team has been performing well and made sure the natch goes down the wire till the last over. Will there be changes for the match against Pakistan in preparation for the Asia Cup finals?
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